First Time Taking the MRT in Taipei? Here’s What to Expect

The Taipei MRT is Taiwan’s subway system, and if you’re visiting the city, chances are you’ll ride it more than once. Beyond the basics of tapping in and finding your platform, there are small habits locals follow without thinking twice, things a first-time visitor might not notice on their own.

Hi, I’m Grace, born and raised in Taipei and now living in the United States. I return to my hometown every year to visit family, and I love exploring new places each time I’m back. I hope these tips, most of them things I’ve picked up simply from riding the MRT myself, help you get around Taipei with more confidence.

General Info About the MRT System

The Taipei MRT currently has 6 main lines. Each line is color-coded and clearly labeled in both Chinese and English, and every station has maps and signs to help you find your way.

Trains generally run from around 6 a.m. to midnight, with peak hours on weekdays between 7:30–9:30 a.m. and 5:30–7:00 p.m. If possible, try to avoid these times since trains can get crowded with commuters.

Before your trip, it’s helpful to download or save a copy of the official Taipei Metro map on your phone. You can find it on the Taipei Metro website, where you can also check schedules, plan your route, and see estimated travel times between stations.

As for cost, single rides start around NT$20 and go up depending on distance. If you decide to get an EasyCard, the card itself costs NT$100, and that price doesn’t include any stored value, so you’ll need to add credit separately before you can ride. More on that below.

Entering MRT Stations

Look for the blue-and-white MRT logo, placed on tall signposts. The logo marks the station entrance, and most stations have multiple exits, each numbered and labeled with nearby streets or landmarks.

One thing to note about MRT exits is that some have only stairs, while others include escalators or elevators. You can visit the official Taipei Metro website, click on the station you’re heading to, and scroll down to see the exit information.

Let me use this screenshot from Zhongshan Station as an example:

As you can see from the above photo, if you’re carrying large suitcases or a stroller and entering the station, it’s best to use Exits 4 and 5, which have elevators, and avoid Exits 2 and 3 since they only have stairs. You can also check the exact locations by clicking on the Google Maps icon.

If you’re carrying more luggage than you’d like to drag around all day, some MRT stations also have coin lockers where you can store your bags for a few hours. I haven’t used one myself, so I can’t speak to the exact process, but it’s worth keeping in mind if you’re short on hands.

Paying for Your Ride: EasyCard or Tap-to-Pay

Before entering the platform area, you’ll need a way to pay for your ride. If you prefer to pay per ride, you can buy a single-journey token from one of the ticket machines or at the service counter.

If you plan to take multiple MRT rides during your stay in Taiwan, the easiest option is to get an EasyCard (悠遊卡). It’s a rechargeable contactless card that can be used on all MRT lines, buses, as well as many attractions, shops, restaurants, and convenience stores.

You can buy or top up an EasyCard at any MRT station or at 7-Eleven and FamilyMart locations.

I love checking out the EasyCards sold at convenience stores (you’ll see them near the cashier counter), especially the ones with unique shapes that come with a hook. You can clip one onto your bag for easy access, and they also make great souvenirs from your trip.

Tap your card on the sensor at the gates when entering and exiting. The fare is automatically deducted, and you’ll see your remaining balance on the screen of the gate.

Since July 2026, there’s also a third option: tapping a contactless credit card or a mobile wallet like Apple Pay directly at the gates, no EasyCard needed. I set mine up on my iPhone using one of my Taiwan-issued cards, though international cards from the major networks work too.

One thing I noticed the first time I used it: the tap point for cards and phones is in a slightly different spot on the gate than the EasyCard sensor, so it’s worth glancing at the gate before you tap rather than assuming it’s the same spot.

If I’m being honest, I still mostly use my EasyCard, simply because I already have a balance sitting on it from previous trips. But if I were starting from scratch, I’d lean toward the credit card option. With an EasyCard, you have to guess how much to load before you know how much you’ll actually use it during your trip. With a card or phone, the fare is just deducted directly, no guessing involved.

No Eating/Drinking Rule

Right before entering the ticket gates, you’ll see a yellow line on the ground with red text that reads, “No Eating/Drinking Beyond the Yellow Line.”

Once you cross that line, eating and drinking (even drinking water and chewing gum) are not allowed anywhere inside the paid area, including platforms and trains.

This rule has been in place since the MRT first started operation, and it’s taken very seriously. If you violate the rule, you can be fined between NT$1,500 and NT$7,500 (about US$50 to US$250).

Years ago, my husband was unaware of the rule and was chewing gum as he entered the station. A staff member quickly approached him and asked him to spit it out immediately, or he would face a fine. We were impressed by how strictly the rule was enforced.

Escalator Etiquette

You’ll notice that most people stand on the right side of the escalator and leave the left side open for those who wish to walk.

It’s been a long-time habit for locals.

In the past couple of years, the Taipei Metro has started to encourage passengers to stand on both sides. However, the old habit is hard to break.

When I went back to Taipei this past summer (in 2025), I noticed signs reminding people to stand on both sides, but most passengers were still standing on the right and leaving the left side open. And when I stood on the left side, people often walked up/down from behind, and I couldn’t help but feel the need to move along too.

So my advice when using the escalator is this: you can stand on either side. If you’re on the left and someone behind you wants to walk, you can shift slightly to the right if there’s space, or you can stay where you are. You are not breaking any rules by “standing” on the left, and there’s no need to feel pressured to move.

On The Platform

When you reach the platform, take a look at both sides before lining up to make sure you’re heading in the right direction.

Each platform shows the end station name, such as “toward Tamsui” or “toward Xiangshan,” along with a list of upcoming stations. Just take a quick look before boarding to confirm you’re on the correct side.

I’ll admit I haven’t always gotten this right myself. Once, I got on the red line while I was looking at my phone and didn’t check which direction I was heading. I only realized something was wrong when I started passing stations I didn’t recognize, I’d boarded the train going the opposite way from where I meant to go. I got off at the next stop and crossed over to the other platform. Checking the sign takes two seconds, and I haven’t skipped it since.

You’ll also see a digital screen showing how many minutes away the next train is. The MRT is very punctual, and trains arrive every few minutes, and even more frequently during rush hour, so there’s no need to worry if you just missed one.

You’ll see lines on the floor that show where to stand and form a queue. Locals are very patient when it comes to lining up and boarding the train, which is something I always appreciate about people in Taipei. People wait calmly for their turn without pushing or rushing.

On The Train

If you’re wondering how long it will take to reach your destination, a simple rule of thumb is “2 minutes per station”. For example, if your stop is 5 stations away, the ride will take roughly 10 minutes.

Each train has announcements in Mandarin, Taiwanese, Hakka, and English, and you’ll also see a digital display above the doors showing the next station.

You’ll notice that the priority seats are painted in deep blue and are near the doors. These seats are reserved for people in need. If you are feeling well, it’s best to leave these priority seats available, even if the train looks empty when you board.

When the train gets crowded, remember to wear your backpack in front to make more space for others.

Transferring Between Lines

When you transfer between lines, follow the color-coded signs and arrows on the walls and floors.

The transfer walk can sometimes take a few minutes, especially at major stations such as Taipei Main Station or Zhongxiao Fuxing, so allow a bit of extra time if you’re catching a connection.

Taipei Main Station is where I feel this the most. There are so many signs pointing in different directions, for the MRT lines, the high-speed rail, the regular rail, and the underground mall, that it’s easy to get overwhelmed and start walking the wrong way. My advice is to slow down and actually read the signs rather than just following the crowd, because not everyone around you is headed to the same platform you are.

By the way, I have an in-depth article about how to navigate the Taipei Main Station. If you need to take a train to go to other parts of Taiwan, you will find the article helpful.

Exiting the Station

When you arrive at your destination, take a moment to look at the exit map before leaving the paid area.

Each MRT station has several exits, and the map shows which one leads closest to your destination, so you can save time and extra walking.

I’ve learned this the hard way. Some exits at the same station are much farther apart than they look on the map. Once, I came out of the wrong exit and realized my destination was actually across a busy intersection. Taipei’s traffic lights, especially at bigger intersections, can take a while to change, so I ended up standing there waiting longer than it would have taken to just walk from the right exit. Since then, I always double-check the exit map before heading up, even if it takes an extra thirty seconds.

If you have luggage, a stroller, or mobility needs, check the map for accessibility symbols. Not all exits have escalators or elevators, so it’s best to pick one that does.

You’ll also find restrooms near the exits at all stations, usually in the unpaid area. They are well-maintained and free to use, which is something I really appreciate about the Taipei MRT system.

Final Thoughts

What I appreciate most about the Taipei MRT isn’t really the system itself, it’s how predictable it makes getting around. After growing up here and now visiting once a year, I still notice the same things every time: trains that show up when they say they will, people who wait their turn without pushing, an announcement in four languages before you even ask.

Once you’ve ridden it a couple of times, you’ll probably fall into the same rhythm the rest of us have, checking the direction on the platform out of habit, standing wherever there’s room on the escalator, and not thinking twice about any of it.